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Average Price: $127
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$100
$301+
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Description
Unleash the power of dual functionality with the Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay pedal, an exquisite blend of vintage charm and modern capabilities. A rare gem from the late '80s and early '90s, this pedal combines individual pitch-shifting and delay features in a unique harmony. Whether you're chasing the nostalgia of classic tones or crafting your distinct sound, the PS-2 is your reliable partner. With six different modes and adjustable controls, you manage the balance between each effect and your original signal, shaping your musical journey with precision and creativity.
Key Features:
- Dual functionality pedal offering individual pitch shifting and delay capabilities
- Comes with six distinct modes: 125ms delay, 500ms delay, 2 second delay, manual pitch shift, up an octave, and down an octave
- Adjustable knobs for controlling the balance and feedback in your effects
- Vintage model manufactured in the late '80s and early '90s
- Allows a high level of customization for crafting unique sounds
- Ideal for both classic tones and modern soundscapes
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay (Blue Label) |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 1987 - 1992 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Delay Pedals, Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What are the main functions of the Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay?
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The Boss PS-2 combines pitch shifting and digital delay effects in one pedal, allowing you to shift pitches and create echo effects. It offers multiple delay modes and the ability to shift pitches up or down, making it versatile for various musical applications.
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How does the pitch shifting feature of the Boss PS-2 work?
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The pitch shifting feature of the Boss PS-2 allows you to adjust the pitch of your input signal, creating harmonies or detuned effects. You can shift pitches in semitone increments to achieve the desired sound.
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Can the Boss PS-2 be used for both guitar and bass?
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Yes, the Boss PS-2 is suitable for use with both guitar and bass. Its pitch shifting and delay effects can enhance the sound of either instrument, offering creative possibilities for musicians.
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What power supply does the Boss PS-2 require?
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The Boss PS-2 requires a 9V DC power supply, commonly used with many standard guitar pedals. It can also run on a 9V battery for portable use.
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Is the Boss PS-2 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Boss PS-2 is designed for live use, offering reliable performance and easy control over pitch shifting and delay effects. Its sturdy construction and intuitive interface make it a popular choice for gigging musicians.
Videos
Pepe Music
BOSS PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter / Delay Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Unique effect on repeats, offering cold and tinny textures
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Offers a lot of texture and sound sculpting options
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Versatile with manual mode for experimental sounds
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Quiet operation, does not raise noise-floor in signal chain
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Suitable for use with keyboards, particularly effective with piano and Rhodes
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Capable of producing chorus-like tones and beautiful low-fi sounds
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Delay settings allow for controlled oscillation and delay loops
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Features an interesting octaver for shimmer type sounds
CONS
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May require servicing or repairs due to age
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Bypassed tone might introduce low level distortion
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Not all musicians may appreciate the colder, tinnier repeats
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Delay degradation quicker compared to newer models
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Some users find it challenging to use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay.
Features and functionality
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The PS-2's delay has a unique metallic drone effect at shorter delay times, resembling a sitar, particularly with guitar use.
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The pedal has a noticeable lag when adjusting delay time, leading to a cascading drone effect with time-stretched and detuned repeats.
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Octave up shifts are bright and metallic, offering a shimmer reverb-like sensation, unlike modern pitch shifters.
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The PS-2 is described as having a quirky yet usable character, offering a unique lo-fi digital delay with a degradation of repeats, reminiscent of analog delays but without interference in playing.
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Serial number 845800 is a key identifier for PS-2 units without high-frequency noise, offering a cleaner sound compared to earlier models.
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Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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The PS-2's delays are lo-fi and high-pass, differing significantly from the DD-3, which is described as more straightforward and less interesting.
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The PS-3 is recommended over the PS-2 for those seeking a chirpy shimmer effect, as used by the band Cave In, indicating distinct tonal differences between these models.
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A user highlighted that PS-2 models from December '89 still exhibit the noisy oscillation, contrary to claims that November '87 models onward were fixed.
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Use cases and applications
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The PS-2 excels in creating lo-fi sounds with octave down settings, especially when used with heavy gain.
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Users have successfully paired the PS-2 with a Tube Screamer to achieve Slowdive-like tones, highlighting its compatibility with other effects for shoegaze-style music.
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Owners report achieving a "Cocaine Slapback" sound, a term associated with the JHS Maxon Fireblade pedals, showcasing the PS-2's versatility in replicating iconic effects.
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Value and pricing
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Owners suggest being cautious with spending; it's worth buying if the specific sound it offers is desired, especially if found at a deal.
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Mods and upgrades
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A user modified a spare wah pedal to serve as an expression pedal for the PS-2, demonstrating potential for customization to expand control options.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 22 Ratings
449
One of the Most Important Pedals Created
This pedal is iconic for a number of reasons whether it be iconic lineage and usage by Slowdive or use in a number of modern tracks. I wonder truly how many people this pedal has inspired due to its unique and quirky sounds.
497
blast off!
I've had a dramatic bout with this monster and because of her age. I tried to study, and lean on towards learning the bits and pieces and the basics of fixing the first pitch shifter available in the market. The main mistake of using this pedal is that it has a trim pot inside that you need to adjust. All in all, this was a challenging pedal to use, but it is a rewarding experience.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Protip: max out both the settings of the trim pots inside the circuit and put this thing in front of your signal chain.
250
Weird "Glitchy as hell" octave pedal with Delay capabilities
This beautiful, nasty "octave" pedal can do octave down, up and straight glitched out detune kind of signals to pair with your original tone. Jump on Youtube and check out some videos, there is no good way to explain this wacked out pedal with words.
176
A Gift
I got the Boss PS-2 from my friend that has his uncle gave it to him. One thing is interesting for sure that it has a some kind of octaver that can be used for some shimmer type sounds with use of other pedals.
Artist usage
Add artist
"Used for an octave harmony effect on Where I End And You Begin. Some claim that it was a Boss PS3, but since the few blurry screencaps seem to include the white tipped knobs of the PS2,and since Radiohead sold a “ps2” on ebay, it is far more likely a PS2."
The sidebar to this interview with Premier Guitar magazine lists some of the gear Corgan used while recording the Smashing Pumpkins' Cyr album. The list of effects includes a PS-2.
Used on "Soulfinger", "The Velvet Fire" and "Bludfuk", as specified in this July 20, 2012 breakdown of a A Fine Pink Mist gear list printed in the October 1996 issue of Young Guitar.
In an interview with Guitar World, Sharon Van Etten discusses her use of the Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay pedal, noting how she enjoys experimenting with it in live performances.
This photo comes from Mono's 2010 Brudenell Social Club performance. One of the pedals that can be seen in Taka's pedalboard is Boss PS-2 pitch shifter/delay pedal.
In this image tweeted by Analog Music Products, Fielding's pedalboard is shown to include a PS-2.
Album Usage
The Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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